More than 170,000 veterans call the Land of Enchantment Home, and the state offers numerous benefits to veterans and their families as a sign of gratitude for their service to the nation.

If you’re just getting started learning about your state and national benefits, or need assistance filing or following up on a claim, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services is a great place to start. Serving as a central point for upcoming events, latest benefits updates, application tools, and more, the department is committed to helping New Mexico veterans access their hard-earned benefits. Additionally, the department maintains 16 field offices throughout the state, staffed by nationally accredited Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who are veterans themselves and trained in the latest veteran benefits and application processes. You can set an appointment with your nearest VSO by phone or email, and most also have regularly scheduled outreach visits to smaller surrounding communities.

Accessing quality health care is also a top priority for veterans and their dependents, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) maintains one main health care system site in Albuquerque, as well as 15 community based outpatient clinics throughout the state. The main hospital, the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, is located at 1501 San Pedro SE in Albuquerque and is a Joint Commission-accredited, VHA complexity level 1a, tertiary care referral center with a 24-hour Emergency Room. It offers a wide range of primary and specialty care, including specialized programs for caregivers, returning servicemembers, homeless veterans, and female veterans.

Veterans facing homelessness or loved ones of those who are can find assistance through the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center (NMVIC), which provides transition services for homeless and at risk NM veterans. The NMVIC offers help with transitional housing, food pantry, thrift shop, and services for families such as rapid rehousing, meal services, temporary financial assistance, and basic necessities.  The NMVIC facility is located at 13032 Central Ave SE in Albuquerque.

New Mexico veterans looking to enjoy the state’s numerous outdoor resources may be eligible for reduced prices and license costs. For example:

• Any veteran rated 50% or higher service-connected disabled may obtain an annual free day-use pass and three free nights of camping for personal use only.
• Any veteran rated 50% or higher service-connected disabled may obtain a free State Monument and Museum pass for personal use only.
• Any veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled is eligible for a free lifetime New Mexico small-game hunting and fishing license.
• Disabled veterans may apply for a reduced fee $10 small-game & fishing license, regardless of disability rating.
• Hunting licenses for deer, antelope, elk, javelin, and turkey may be sold to non-resident disabled veterans at resident license-fee rates if the applicant is undergoing a rehabilitation program utilizing hunting activities, supported by VA or an authorized nonprofit organization.
• Any active duty military personnel, National Guard, or Reserve member who is a legally domiciled resident of New Mexico can apply for a temporary active duty fishing or small game hunting license.

Senior veterans or veterans needing extra daily care may find a potential solution at the New Mexico State Veterans' Home (NMSVH).  Located in Truth of Consequences, the home is situated on 16 beautifully landscaped acres and strives to provide integrated services in an atmosphere that promotes physical, social, and emotional well-being as well as a sense of independence and dignity. The facility offers 135 nursing home beds and 10 assisted-living beds. The state-of-the-art facility was established as the state’s only state veterans’ home in 1985.  In May of 2015, the VA awarded a $17.1 million grant to the facility for the construction of a 59-bed expansion project to include a 39-bed Alzheimer's unit, a 20-bed Skilled Nursing Unit, a new rehabilitation section for inpatient and outpatient services, and a new pool.

The state of New Mexico is also home to the Santa Fe National Cemetery, encompassing 79 acres and serving as the final resting place for more than 59,000 U.S. veterans. This cemetery is also home to numerous monuments and memorials, including those honoring World War II Glider Pilots,

Women Who Served in the Navy, China-Burma-India Veterans, the Ft. Craig Post memorial remembering the men, women and children who perished at Fort Craig, New Mexico, in the late 1800s, and a monument in memory of the Glorieta Pass Confederate Dead. Burial in a national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. A Veteran’s spouse, widow or widower, minor dependent children, and under certain conditions, unmarried adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for burial.

To find out what veterans benefits exist in other states in the U.S. please visit our complete Veterans Benefits by State guide here.

New Mexico Veterans Benefit for Assisted Living

The Aid and Attendance pension benefit is available to New Mexico senior veterans and their spouses to help pay for senior care like assisted living, home care, or nursing home care. Here is more information on how the Aid and Attendance benefit helps New Mexico veterans.

Written by Megan Hammons